USA > New York > Orange County > Newburgh > Newburgh; her institutions, industries and leading citizens, historical, descriptive and biographical > Part 13
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(William) Wright Engine Works, (new plant.) Whitehill Engine and Pictet Ice Machine Co., (new.)
Chadborn & Coldwell Manufacturing Co., lawn mowers, (new.)
Newburgh Moulding and Planing Mill, (new.)
James McCord's brush factory, (new.)
Newburgh Woolen Mills, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Bleachery, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Plaster Works, (enlargement.)
Newburgh Steam Boiler Works, (new)
Grove Paper Mills, (enlargement.) Newburgh Steam Mills, (enlargement.)
Highland Mills, carpets and rugs, (new.)
ACTIVITY IN REAL ESTATE.
As has been said, the construction of the New York, West Shore and Buffalo Railway through the heart of the business district brought about great activity in real estate affairs. Then the establishment of
ORANGE COUNTY FAIR, SEPTEMBER, 1887-THE SITE OF WASHINGTON HEIGHTS.
[64]
L
2
M.N.CO.
Heights
I-Northwest Corner of Liberty Street and Henry Avenue,
2-Southwest Corner of Bay View Terrace and Courtney Avenue.
3-Northwest Corner of Liberty Street and Courtney Avenue,
4-The First Congregational Church.
5-Liberty Street-Looking South from Renwick Street. 6-Henry Avenue-Between Liberty Street and Bay View Terrace.
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NEWBURGH.
new manufactories and the enlargement of old ones, together with the numberless other enterprises that were undertaken, attracted many new residents, for whom dwelling places had to be provided. At times builders could not hire enough help, and no man or woman that could work had to look far for a situation. Newburgh being compactly built, the operations were principally on the skirts of the thickly settled por- tion ; thus the city has grown southward and westward, and in a les- ser degree northward. Probably the proportion of citizens who own their own homes is greater now than ever before. Ambition has been stimulated in that direction, and it is unnecessary to note the good re- sults which follow the gratification of this desire in the great majority of cases.
All the indications are that the growth is healthy. It is altogether based on the results of past earning and saving. There is every reason to expect the continuance of the " good times." The situation and advantages of the place are now such that it is not likely to lose its share of the good things going.
Unfortunately no record has been made-except for a period of two years and three months of the number of buildings erected within the corporate limits. In the Fall of 1887 a Building Inspector was appointed by the Common Council, but in 1890 the Mayor, hold- ing that there was no authority in the Charter for the appointment of such an officer, made no appointment. The following will show the number of buildings (not counting additions) erected from October 1, 1887, to January 1, 1890:
Brick. Frame. Total.
October, 1887, to January, 1888, . 31
I7
48
Jan'y to April, 1888
18
5
23
April to July, 1888
20
12
32
July to Oct., 1888.
54
33
87
Oct. to Jan'y, 1889.
26
24
50
Jan'y to April, 1889.
23
9
32
April to July,
1889
35
12
47
July to Oct., 1889.
50
23
73
Total, two years. 257.
135
392
October, 1889, to January, 1890.
28
21
49
285
156 431
From March 1, 1890, to March 1, 1891, the Superintendent of the Water Works issued 140 permits for tapping the mains; 108 were for new buildings, but often one tap was made to answer for two buildings.
On October 22, 1887, an auction sale of city lots occurred on the Roe property, in the western portion. Several streets had been laid out through the plot. About one hundred lots were sold, together with the stone mansion. There was a huge clambake in the open field, and refreshments were served in a tent.
December 26, 1887, fifty-one building lots were offered at public auction by James Taggart, at West Newburgh, and thirty-one sold for $11,007.
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS.
This beautiful tract of nearly one hundred acres of land in the southern part of the city, so recently reclaimed from husbandry and built up with substantial dwellings, demands extended notice; but in a brief sketch of what it was and is the contrast will show what growth and development has obtained in a very short period. Only about four years have passed since this district, now presenting every evidence of thrifty city life, had but a single habitation, a farm house in the midst of broad fields on which bountiful harvests were produced, It was a beautiful landscape, wonderfully adorned by Nature. It was the homestead farm of the late Captain Henry Robin- son, who had purchased the tract of two hundred and sixty-seven acres and upward at a public sale, under the foreclosure of a mort- gage, on July 21, 1824. He was a retired sea captain, and resided in a mansion long since removed, but which stood near the corner of Liberty and South William Streets. He died March 9, 1866, possessed of this farm, with its original boundaries substantially un- broken. Subsequently to his death the entire tract was used for agri- cultural purposes, but the high bluff at the east end overlooking the
river, was at various times secured for public purposes, and became the scene of popular sports, the site of the county fair, of military encampments, and the Newburgh Base Ball Association fenced a field for ball grounds. In 1886 the city had grown close up to the northern boundaries of the farm; on the north, east and south sides were many important industries, and it became evident that the barriers to the possession of the property could not long withstand the onward march of Progress.
On October 26, 1886, Henry T. McCoun purchased from the heirs- in-law of the original proprietor that part of the plateau east of Lander Street, embracing about forty acres, and entered into an arrangement with Colonel Charles H. Weygant for its speedy development on an extended scale. These gentlemen caused this land to be carefully sur- veyed and laid out. They opened and graded streets, and laid sewer and water pipes through each; they flagged the sidewalks, curbed, sagged and paved the gutters, macadamized the roadbeds, and set out shade trees. All these and other improvements were made at their own expense, and no lot was sold without such improvements or a contract therefor that was in all cases faithfully performed.
The streets are from fifty to sixty-six feet in width, and the deeds require the buildings to be placed twelve feet back from the street lines. This twelve feet of space in front of each house, form- ing a grassy terrace between the sidewalk and the houses, is a pretty feature. Liberty Street and Lander Street, two of the principal thor- oughfares of the city, were extended through the plot, and the fol- lowing other streets were opened: Carson Avenue, Overlook Place, Courtney Avenue, Henry Avenue, Beacon Street and Bay View Ter- race, the latter extending along the edge of the bluff on the south and east sides. Renwick Street was already open through the property from Bridge Street east to the river, but commonly only the plot south of this street is designated Washington Heights. Over 21/3 miles of streets and 450 lots were thus laid out.
It is worthy of mention that in all the deeds for building lots executed and delivered to purchasers is inserted the stipulation and agreement that no strong, spirituous or intoxicating liquors or ยท beverages of any kind shall ever be manufactured, brewed, distilled, prepared, rectified, sold, or offered or exposed for sale upon any part of the premises, a covenant which will last as a memorial to these gentlemen after they have passed from earth.
All the work on the Heights was well done and received instant and grateful approval by an appreciative public. The streets are regularly laid out, broad and straight, and the squares have generally right angles. The streets were accepted by the city, the electric light introduced, the horse railway extended to the corner of Liberty and Renwick Streets, and the denizens of the Heights enjoy the same municipal privileges as their more crowded neighbors.
The enterprise has been successful far beyond the expectations of even its projectors. The first lot was sold December 1, 1886, and only about a score of the four hundred and fifty remain with the company at the present time. The first building was erected in the Spring of 1887; at this writing there are 185 houses on the plot. They vary in cost from two to eight thousand dollars; the aggregate valuation of the whole plot and its improvements is estimated at $1,000,000. In some of the more recent sales, lots have sold for four times the price originally charged, and in no instance has a lot been sold except at an advance from the first price.
On October 25, 1887, that part of the Robinson farm located west of Lander Street and east of William and Bridge, 42 acres in all, was purchased by Colonel William D. Dickey and Captain Joseph M. Dickey, brothers, from the heirs. They immediately began to im- prove that part north of Renwick Street by opening and grading streets, and on the following Thanksgiving Day they held a public auction of building lots. Ninety-six lots were sold for a total of $22,- 257. In the Spring they laid out and graded other streets through a portion of the land south of Renwick Street, conforming to the adjoin- ing plot of the Washington Heights Company, and on Decoration Day held another auction sale, with a balloon ascension by Carlotta as an added attraction. About eighty lots were sold under the hammer that day, for a total of $22,687. Since that time many more have been sold at private sale. So far 130 houses have been erected on this plot, and
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NEWBURGH.
the indications are that dwellings will be erected at the same rapid rate till the whole Washington Heights district is built up.
The location of the Heights is most sightly. The plateau is about one hundred and thirty-seven feet above the Hudson, and on the
HENRY T. McCOUN.
eastern side rises precipitously almost from the shore. It is no higher in reality than the general level of the city on the hill, its distinguishing peculiarity being the high bluff on the river side. It commands a magnificent view of the whole expanse of Newburgh Bay, the High- lands, and all the grand water and mountain scenery surrounding the city. It is but a few rods south of Washington's Headquarters, and the pretty Vale of Avoca is on the southern side. The dwellings line nearly every street and avenue, generally in regular succession. It is difficult to select any particular spot for the subject of admiration, but standing at the east end where people resort for the river view, and looking westward the scene is one of unparalleled thrift and beauty. The angular and broken roofs rise far in the distance. Flower beds and miniature parks and lawns surround pretty cottages. The settlement is highly creditable to our good name, and consistent with the general beautiful appearance of the city. The majority of the houses are owned by their occupants, who desired individuality, comfort, and convenience in their homes. Besides the beautiful and convenient location, one of the qualities of the Heights is healthful- ness. Pure air, sunlight and perfect drainage are secured. The rapid growth and improvement of the Heights will undoubtedly continue with very little abatement, until all the intervening land lying toward the southwest boundary of the city is built upon.
The Washington Heights addition has encouraged improvements in that neighborhood, so that the whole southern part of the city has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past few years. Within a comparatively brief period also the Second Ward between Dubois Street and Robinson Avenue has been compactly built up. Many in- expensive but neat cottages have been erected there. Broadway has likewise shared in the building movement, and has become, mainly within the past ten years, a business thoroughfare of importance.
HENRY T. McCOUN was born in the Town of New Windsor, (adjoining Newburgh) in the neighborhood called Bethlehem, in 1816. He remained at home till sixteen years old, and then went to Troy, N. Y., where he spent eight years learning the business of a jeweler and watch-maker. He came to Newburgh in 1841 and started in a mercantile business for himself. In 1851 he was elected a member of the Board of Village Trustees and served one year. He was also a member of the hook and ladder fire company.
In 1862 he went to New York and continued in mercantile business there till 1885, when he retired with a competency,having engaged in many enterprises of the day, most of which were very successful. The latest, and probably the most important and successful, was the development of the Washington Heights section of this city, in which operation the rare business sagacity of the man was best exhibited. Although comparatively a stranger in Newburgh for the preceding twenty years, he at once perceived the possibilities of the project when the plan was unfolded. And while his large investment of capital has returned to him vastly increased, there is no one to begrudge him a farthing of it, for by it he has wonderfully helped the city, aroused the dormant spirit of enterprise throughout the whole community, and by his liberal conduct in the handling of the property has enabled many persons to benefit themselves. Although now seventy-five years old, Mr. McCoun is still in vigorous health and strength, and in the full enjoyments of the fruits of his well directed labors. He frequently comes to Newburgh from his home in New York City. His wife was Eliza Waring, of the Town of Newburgh, and she with three daughters and one son yet survives.
COLONEL CHARLES H. WEYGANT is a representative of the oldest Newburgh family. He is a descendant of Michael Weigand, one of the original Palatine settlers of this city, and was born in Cornwall
PHOTO. BY ATKINSON,
COLONEL CHARLES H. WEYGANT.
July 8, 1839. After graduating from the public schools of Newburgh, he was prepared for college at the Ashland (N \' ) and the Clavarack Collegiate Institutes. But instead of going to college he went to the
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NEWBURGH.
war. When the raising of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., was begun, he was commissioned as captain and raised the first company for that famous regiment. which left for the seat of war early in September, 1862. Captain Weygant was the senior captain of the regiment, com- manding Company A. He took an active part in the battles of Fred- ericksburgh, Chancellorsville, Beverly Ford, Gettysburgh, Wilder- ness and Spottsylvania; and in every general engagement of the Army of the Potomac after Cold Harbor until the close of the war.
At the battle of Gettysburgh, Colonel Ellis and Major Cromwell were killed, and Lieutenant-Colonel Cummings was wounded, leav- ing the regiment in command of Captain Weygant for about a month. Shortly afterward he was commissioned as Major, his commission dating from July 2, 1863, and later he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, dating from the same time. Colonel Cummings commanded the regi- ment until the morning of the second day's battle of the Wilderness, when he was severely wounded, so much so that he never resumed duty.' The regiment then passed under the command of Colonel Weygant.
Previously to receiving his commission as Colonel from his State, he had been brevetted Colonel by Congress as a special recognition of his services and those of his regiment, who during the siege of Petersburg captured one hundred and eighty Confederates, their commanding officer and battle flag, killing and wounding thirty others, without los- ing a single man on his side. Colonel Weygant was wounded first at Chancellorsville, a scalp wound which only invalided him for a few days, after the battle was over. The 124th was one of the eight regi- ments which led Hancock's charge at Spottsylvania, and here Colonel Wey- gant was wounded in the leg, after his regiment had cap- tured four guns, over three hundred prisoners and a rebel flag. This wound kept him from duty about seven weeks. At Boynton Roads, while in command of a force consisting of the 124th New York and Berdan's second regiment of sharpshooters, he was again wounded-in the side -which kept him from duty about five weeks. His regiment, acting as sharpshooters, took a conspicuous part in Grant's last campaign, skirmishing with the enemy's rear guard nearly every day from Petersburg to Appomattox, capturing many prisoners, guns and wagons, and losing twenty men, killed and wounded, in the last encounter between the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia, the day preceding Lee's surrender.
After the war Colonel Weygant engaged in carriage mannfactnr- ing, and continued in business till 1870, when he was elected by the Republican party Sheriff of Orange County for the term of three years. In 1878-80 he was Mayor of the city. In 1886, in company with Henry T. McCoun, he purchased the eastern portion of the Robinson farm, and planned and carried out the greatest real estate movement in the history of the city. This work has conferred a last- ing benefit upon Newburgh, and the Washington Heights addition will ever stand a monument to his enterprise and ability. Colonel Weygant has for years filled a prominent place in both the
social and business life of the city. He was chosen as the Grand Marshal of the great Centennial parade in 1883, and how ably he planned and led it has been told already. Colonel Weygant is a working member of the Board of Trade, a Trustee of Trinity M. E. Church, and was for a number of years Commander of Ellis Post, G. A. R. He is the author of the " History of the 124th Regiment, N. Y. S. Vols.," a well-written book that has had a large circulation.
In 1868 Colonel Weygant married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel B. Sackett, of Newburgh, and they have one daughter.
THE STREET RAILWAY.
On January 18, 1886, the Newburgh Street Railway Company made application to the Mayor and Common Council for the right to build and operate a surface road from a point at or near the western line of the city, down Broadway to Colden Street, through Water to Third, to Front, to the Union Depot; also a branch thereof on Liberty Street between Broadway and Renwick. On February 19 the Common Council granted the application upon specified conditions.
On March 30, 1886, the company asked for the right to extend the line from the corner of Water and Third Streets, along Water to a
LIBERTY STREET-LOOKING SOUTH FROM CAMPBELL STREET.
point at or near the northerly line of the city, and on May 7 the franchise was sold at public auction in the Common Council rooms to the Company, the nomi- nal price being one- tenth of one per cent. of the gross earnings of the ex- tension from Third Street north. Ground was broken Novem- ber 22, and a large force of men was employed till the road was completed to the Union Depot in Front Street, De- cember 22. The of- ficers of the com- pany were Charles D. Haines, Presi- dent; Andrew G. Haines, Vice-Presi- dent; George W. Stetson, Secretary and Treasurer; Elmer T. Haines, General Man- ager. Board of Directors: John D. Haines, George W. Stetson, David S. Haines, Elmer T. Haines, Andrew G. Haines, Frank H. Stanley and Charles D. Haines. New officers have since been elected.
On Thursday evening, December 23, 1886, the railway was form- ally opened between West Newburgh and the Union Depot. Build- ings were decorated and great crowds gathered along the line. About seven o'clock three cars started from the stables at the western end. The cars were named the " B. B. Odell," in honor of the Mayor, and "G. W. Stetson," and " Haines Brothers," in honor of the builders of the road. The first car was drawn by " Tom " and " Jerry," a beau- tiful pair of Norman horses loaned for the purpose by the Beveridge Brewing Company, and to the other cars were attached two other fine teams also owned by the Brewing Company. All the way down the line bonfires were blazing. A squad of police headed the procession and cleared the way. They were followed by a band of music and a mighty throng of people. The ovation began at the house of High- land Steamer Company. The fire-bell was rung; the steamer was run out on the street and its whistle blown, the firemen and the assembled populace cheered, and many kinds of fireworks were set
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NEWBURGH.
off. As the procession marched down town the enthusiasm waxed warmer. Discharges of cannonry shook the houses, steam whistles shrieked, rockets hissed, and the broad avenue became choked with people. The people in Colden and Water Streets also made a great demonstration. The cars were occupied by the Mayor and other municipal officers, members of the Street Railway Company and representative citizens.
PROPHETIC WORDS.
They halted in front of the United States Hotel, and Mayor Odell introduced Mr. G. L. Terry, of New York, who addressed the crowd in behalf of the Haines Brothers. He said in the course of his remarks:
"You can hardly imagine, now that this road is only being opened, what great and important changes it will make and intro- duce among you. Far-seeing as you may be, familiar as you may be and as you are with the past history of Newburgh, with its present
enterprise inaugurated to-night. I am proud to have taken so humble a part in such an auspicious occasion, and especially as it occurred in this beautiful and historic city, rich in associations with the past, rich in its bright prospects for the future, than which there is none more beautiful and renowned even of all the cities which line the shores of the famous river whose waters roll at your feet."
Ex-Mayor A. S. Cassedy responded for Newburgh.
The railway line was subsequently extended through Water Street to the northern line of the city; and in addition to the stables at the western terminus, large and handsome brick car stables were built on Broadway, corner of Carpenter Avenue.
DOWNING PARK.
In his Annual Message to the Common Council in 1887, Mayor Odell said:
"At various times it has been suggested that we should make use of the property now owned by the city, and which was formerly a part of the Smith estate, as well as such additional lands surrounding
LLL
ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
condition, with its needs for the future in the way of business and otherwise, with its advantages for increased development, you will still find, as time goes on, that this road will work changes, all beneficial, valuable and helpful that you did not dream of, that you did not and could not anticipate. Facilities for business and travel create business and travel, but to what extent, to what marvelous extent, will be known only when this enterprise shall be in full and successful operation. It would seem vain in me to at- tempt to describe to you, who are so much better acquainted with the city, its future prosperity as a result in part at least of this enter- prise, but I may say what is I believe a judgment based on some experience. It means increased activity in all your business interests and their material and immediate enlargement. It means steadier employment for all classes of workingmen and better reward for all kinds of labor. It means more business for all your banks, and mer- chants and newspapers, and hotels and mechanics, for all who minis- ter to either the wants or luxuries of your people; it means an exten- sion of your territorial limits: new streets, new residences, business blocks. It means, in short, the development of the city in every possi- ble manner, and in every possible direction. When you see outlying sections improved, and intervening sections built up by reason of new and convenient facilities for intercourse; when you see prosperity in- creasing and ambition augmented, you will attribute it largely to the
the same as might be deemed necessary, as a public park. Certainly, no portion of our city is better adapted for this purpose. Situated in the center of the city, of easy access, and commanding, as it does, a magnificent view of the surrounding country, it seems to have been designed by nature for such a purpose. Statistics from other cities show that the increased valuation of adjacent property fully repays the cost of acquiring and maintaining such improvement. If deemed wise, the subject should be thoroughly investigated, and I believe a presentation of the same could be made that would meet the approval of all our citizens."
At a meeting of the Council on April 5, the Street Committee, with the Mayor and the city attorney added, was instructed to make inquiries in reference to the purchase of land between Dubois Street and Carpenter Avenue, and between Third aud South Streets, for the purposes of a public park, and to ascertain the price and other information. At the next meeting the committee, consisting of Aldermen Kernahan, Cochrane and Kelly, and Mayor Odell and City Attorney Graham, made a favorable report. A special election was ordered to be held at the house of Columbian Hose Company on May 24. On the evening previous to the election a public meeting
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